Same is true of US, Germany, Britain, etc
replyThe US had open markets and low tariffs for a long time; China's automotive tariffs were amongst the strongest in the entire world.
replyAnd in the 19th century when US industry was developing?
replyFrom the outside, it is still competition.
replyIf they go too far to impose their system, we stop buying :)
Except they've now ground your native industry under their boot and have total monopoly control because you've given up your critical infrastructure. You can no longer stop buying. That isn't an option.
replyThis is geopolitics 101; your fantasy version is decades out of date.